American Beach in Nassau County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)
A Dune System Called "NaNa"
Photographed By Mike Stroud, August 12, 2012
1. A Dune System Called "NaNa" Marker
Inscription.
A Dune System Called "NaNa". . NaNa, the tallest dune in Florida, is a protected landmark due largely to the efforts of MaVynne Betsch (January 14, 1935-September 5, 2005), widely known as the "Beach Lady." Betsch, who once performed opera in London, Paris and Germany, returned to American Beach in 1975 as a full-time resident. Here, she used her resources and talents for the preservation of nature, the environment and the African-American community of American Beach. For this 60-foot dune system that she dubbed "NaNa," and the adjoining property to the shoreline, her efforts resulted in acquiring nearly ten acres as a national park now located in the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve. The "Beach Lady" also championed efforts that led to the posting of nesting signs for the protection of sea turtle eggs and encouraged residents to plant wildflowers on vacant lots to stabilize the sand as well as serve as hosts for butterfly nestlings and feedings. MaVynne Betsche, devoted the last 25 years of her life as this historic African-American community's most vocal advocate. Beach Lady is lovingly remembered for her mantra, "Getting the most from the least and living peacefully in harmony with nature is the most rewarding lifestyle.",
A Florida Heritage Site.
NaNa, the tallest dune in Florida, is a protected landmark due largely to the efforts of MaVynne Betsch (January 14, 1935-September 5, 2005), widely known as the "Beach Lady." Betsch, who once performed opera in London, Paris and Germany, returned to American Beach in 1975 as a full-time resident. Here, she used her resources and talents for the preservation of nature, the environment and the African-American community of American Beach. For this 60-foot dune system that she dubbed "NaNa," and the adjoining property to the shoreline, her efforts resulted in acquiring nearly ten acres as a national park now located in the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve. The "Beach Lady" also championed efforts that led to the posting of nesting signs for the protection of sea turtle eggs and encouraged residents to plant wildflowers on vacant lots to stabilize the sand as well as serve as hosts for butterfly nestlings and feedings. MaVynne Betsche, devoted the last 25 years of her life as this historic African-American community's most vocal advocate. Beach Lady is lovingly remembered for her mantra, "Getting the most from the least and living peacefully in harmony with nature is the most rewarding lifestyle."
A Florida Heritage Site
Erected 2009 by The American
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Beach Property Owners Association and the Florida Department of State. (Marker Number F-660.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Environment. A significant historical year for this entry is 1975.
Location. 30° 34.388′ N, 81° 26.695′ W. Marker is in American Beach, Florida, in Nassau County. Marker is on Ocean Blvd, on the right when traveling south. Located 400 feet south of Lewis Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fernandina Beach FL 32034, United States of America. Touch for directions.
she spent the better part of her adult life educating the public on the black history and environmental importance of American Beach... on Amelia Island. (Submitted on September 19, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.)
Photographed By Mike Stroud, August 12, 2012
3. A Dune System Called "NaNa" and Marker
Photographed By Mike Stroud, August 12, 2012
4. A Dune System Called "NaNa" Marker seen along Ocean Boulevard, looking south
Photographed By Mike Stroud, August 12, 2012
5. A Dune System Called "NaNa" Marker northbound on Ocean Boulevard
Credits. This page was last revised on January 26, 2018. It was originally submitted on September 18, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,964 times since then and 112 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 19, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.